LONDON - Lleyton Hewitt and Mark Philippoussis completed a successful day for Australia on Tuesday, returning from three-month injury layoffs with contrasting victories at the Stella Artois tennis tournament in London.
Top seed Hewitt staggered into the third round with a 6-7 7-5 7-5 victory over Belgium's Xavier Malisse, while
2003 Wimbledon finalist Philippoussis enjoyed an easier workout with a 6-4 6-0 win over Dutchman Raemon Sluiter in the first round.
Hewitt's possible semifinal opponent, local favourite Tim Henman, was also stretched before beating American Robby Ginepri 7-6 4-6 6-1.
Hewitt was sidelined with a toe injury in March then had to delay his return to competitive action after fracturing a rib last month in a fall at his Sydney home.
Keen to get some much needed match practice before Wimbledon starts on June 20, Hewitt displayed his trademark determination to edge out his Belgian opponent after losing the first set 7-3 in the tiebreak. He secured victory with his 10th ace after two hours 37 minutes.
"It's hard to emulate match conditions in practice no matter how hard you try," said the world number two.
"I knew it was going to be a tough match going into it but I was pretty happy to get a lot of rhythm out there today at least." The 2002 Wimbledon champion is looking for his fourth Queen's title having triumphed here from 2000 to 2002.
Philippoussis' victory set up a tantalising encounter with second seed Andy Roddick, a match that is sure to produce fireworks between the two big servers.
Philippoussis, who was runner-up to world No 1 Roger Federer at the All England Club in 2003, moved effortlessly around the court firmly putting his injury woes behind him.
"The key was just come in there with just a positive mind and try and have a good start, keep on my toes," said Philippoussis.
"I've done everything I possibly can in my control to get as fit as I can in the time I've had off.
"I just wanted to go out there with confidence, jumping around. Obviously, I haven't played for a while, so I was just eager to be out there. I'm feeling good."
Once ranked eighth, the 28-year-old Philippoussis' standing has slid to 189 in the world after ankle and back problems.
He needed a wildcard to get into the grasscourt event he won in 1997 and recorded only his third victory on the ATP tour since reaching the fourth round at last year's Wimbledon.
- REUTERS
